full timer rigs?

[forkedhorn]

Help Folks,
Buying a new rig and found these Columbus models. Does anyone know if they will hold up well when we go fulltime? Compared to Montana or maybe Landmark? Need your help before we narrow this decision down in a week or so....

[kakampers]

Acei wrote:
I've been looking at a full-timing unit for a while as well. In my case, I've only looked into DRV, Excel, Lifestyle and New Horizon mainly because of the advises I received from the forums like this one. Virtually no one argues against them except for the price. One of the most important reason for considering these (despite higher asking price) is because we are expected to move frequently - typical stay will be 2-4 weeks at a time. This will put a lot of stress on the trailer. If we were expected to do 3-6 months stay at a time, these might not be needed. These four units are really built strong with decent frames.

Having said that, I looked at the Landmark on their website. On paper, the spec looks good. The insulation looks pretty good too - even the side walls are R-11 which is better than typical average value of R-7. But I couldn't find any info on their site on how they are built. What kind of frames are they using? Are these guys equivalent (or close to) the 4 I mentioned above?

If you are on a budget, something like Arctic Fox might work out quite well too - they also build their own frames (not as strong, at least in theory compare to the above 4 but still better than most Lippert frames used by almost everyone) and they are 4-season friendly (although I don't get their claims - their insulation is R-7 everywhere!)

The Landmark is built on a 12" I beam frame built by Lippert, BUT it is designed by Heartland engineers and built to THEIR specifications...I would say they are as close to the four you mentioned without being custom builds...plus, fully decked out, they are about $30K less than everything you list except, of course, the fully custom New Horizon...there you are talking closer to $100K less.

I consider Landmark to be in the upper range of what others call mid-level...they provide an excellent option for those of us who are not willing to pay more than necessary for a well equipped, full time rated unit. After very close inspection and research, we just could not find $30K worth of difference to make us choose one of the high-end rated units. Remember, DRV uses a Lippert built frame also which is built to their specs. Although it is a boxed frame instead of I Beam, we put over 80K miles (we moved VERY frequently) on a Heartland designed I beam Lippert frame without any issues...choices are a wonderful thing!

[Atom_Ant]

bobbyterri wrote:
antom ant,
yea, really pisses me off that i paid for information that probably is outdated. apparently, they did not research thoroughly as the heartland landmark IS warranted for full time. think i'll write them too. maybe i will ask for a refund too!!

I speak for the Redwood as full time, but yes, the Landmark is too. We looked at both when we were shopping.

[Acei]

I've been looking at a full-timing unit for a while as well. In my case, I've only looked into DRV, Excel, Lifestyle and New Horizon mainly because of the advises I received from the forums like this one. Virtually no one argues against them except for the price. One of the most important reason for considering these (despite higher asking price) is because we are expected to move frequently - typical stay will be 2-4 weeks at a time. This will put a lot of stress on the trailer. If we were expected to do 3-6 months stay at a time, these might not be needed. These four units are really built strong with decent frames.

Having said that, I looked at the Landmark on their website. On paper, the spec looks good. The insulation looks pretty good too - even the side walls are R-11 which is better than typical average value of R-7. But I couldn't find any info on their site on how they are built. What kind of frames are they using? Are these guys equivalent (or close to) the 4 I mentioned above?

If you are on a budget, something like Arctic Fox might work out quite well too - they also build their own frames (not as strong, at least in theory compare to the above 4 but still better than most Lippert frames used by almost everyone) and they are 4-season friendly (although I don't get their claims - their insulation is R-7 everywhere!)

[kakampers]

Tom in Ypsi wrote:
When looking for a fulltime trailer look at all aspects, insulation values (big differences and makes a big difference), cargo capacity, plumbing, heat and air ducting system (residential or just a flimsy Reynolds wrap tube thrown in willy nilly, amount of electrical plugs, quality of shelves, the overall structure. That first look, WOW factor, sells more than anything else. Some companies say they are fulltime and you can fulltime in a tent if you want but you get what you pay for.

Exactly why we choose the Landmark...the laminated floors and ceilings now have solid, residential ductwork throughout!! Also has more electrical sockets than we need and the structure is now warranted for five full years...insulation factor is excellent...temps down to zero and approaching 100 with no problems!

[Tom_in_Ypsi]

When looking for a fulltime trailer look at all aspects, insulation values (big differences and makes a big difference), cargo capacity, plumbing, heat and air ducting system (residential or just a flimsy Reynolds wrap tube thrown in willy nilly, amount of electrical plugs, quality of shelves, the overall structure. That first look, WOW factor, sells more than anything else. Some companies say they are fulltime and you can fulltime in a tent if you want but you get what you pay for.

[rmalik1]

bobbyterri wrote:
i'm looking to full time in a 5er that is warranted for full time and will hold up, i guess what i'm asking is what success others have had in full timing in rigs other than what the rv consumer group ratings list (the elite suites, mobile suites, blackwood (which someone mentioned is no longer in production), excel and hitchhiker by nuwa). and, would you suggest other rigs are a.o.k. for full time?

We live in a Cedar Creek. Two year warranty up this Oct. We needed some small stuff but no more or less than anyone else. So the warranty is no real issue (for us). Once your out of waranted time everyone has to pay for any repairs.

[rmalik1]

MPI_Mallard wrote:
Give Cedar Creek a look before your done.

X2

[bobbyterri]

cKarlGo,

i thought about that...hmmmm.....

[bobbyterri]

antom ant,
yea, really pisses me off that i paid for information that probably is outdated. apparently, they did not research thoroughly as the heartland landmark IS warranted for full time. think i'll write them too. maybe i will ask for a refund too!!

[Atom_Ant]

bobbyterri wrote:
atomant

the rv consumer list does not list the redwood.

I just wrote to RV Consumers Group and told them how pathetic they are to charge someone $135 then give them wrong information. What a scam and I'm really sorry you paid for information like that.

[kakampers]

Check back on this thread...just told you about Landmark...fulltime warranty and 2&5 coverage!

[cKarlGo]

Unless you tell the manufacturer, how would they ever know that you were full-timing?

[bobbyterri]

i'm looking to full time in a 5er that is warranted for full time and will hold up, i guess what i'm asking is what success others have had in full timing in rigs other than what the rv consumer group ratings list (the elite suites, mobile suites, blackwood (which someone mentioned is no longer in production), excel and hitchhiker by nuwa). and, would you suggest other rigs are a.o.k. for full time?

[tsetsaf]

OP... you can full time in ANYTHING. We fulltime in a Keystone Challenger purchased used 4 years ago for a price so low we could fire sale it today and still make money. First rule in RV shopping is never buy new. They ALL have quality control issues and you will most likely need to get items fixed during the first year of service. DO get an idea of floorplans you like and weights your tow vehicle can handle. Take the time to look for the deals. For example we came across a last year of manufacture Teton Homes that was showroom new with the hdt to tow it asking 55k. We were not in the market for that type of floorplan but someone would get a great deal.

Re Palomino Columbus: it is a newer brand and they are only just now starting to get a decent sized owner base. Imho they are too new to know how well they last. We love the look and layout of their big bunkhouse but are not convinced yet that they will last.

[Acei]

Actually, Carriage people went to Lifestyle, not Redwood. It is Lifestyle that retained the Carriage quality (and improved it, or so they claim). Right now, the 4 most obvious choices are New Horizon, DRV, Excel and Lifestyle. But they are all quite expensive.